Why Do I Need a Surgical Extraction?
Dental x-rays and examinations allow your dentist to plan all sorts of treatments for your mouth and teeth, including simple and surgical extractions. Most surgical extractions are planned, based on the complexity of the extraction and the amount of visible, available tooth. In some cases, however, a simple extraction can turn into a surgical one; for example, if a tooth fractures while it’s being extracted with forceps, surgical intervention might be needed to remove the broken pieces of tooth. Most wisdom teeth extractions require surgery, as wisdom teeth, or third molars, are frequently impacted, which means they haven’t erupted fully or properly in the mouth. This often occurs because a person’s mouth is too small to accommodate these late-blooming teeth. Teeth that are severely damaged, with minimal visible crown, and teeth with complex or curved roots may also require surgical extraction, and some patients with unusually dense bone might also need surgery to remove teeth.
Why Do I Need to Have My Tooth Extracted at All?
Teeth are most commonly extracted because they are damaged, injured, diseased, or crowded. The goal of any dental procedure is to restore as much of the natural tooth as possible. Sometimes, however, a tooth is too damaged to fill or repair with a crown, and it may need to be removed – and, ideally, replaced. As periodontal disease wreaks havoc on the oral tissues, it destroys the bone that supports the teeth. As this destruction progresses, the tooth may need to be pulled so that the bone and other oral tissues can be repaired and return to health. If a tooth is infected and root canal treatment can’t effectively halt infection, the tooth may also need to be extracted, to prevent infection from spreading. It is also common for orthodontists to include extractions in their planning, especially when the teeth are crowded, to create room for properly aligned dentition. Of course, wisdom teeth are often extracted, either because of crowding, potential crowding, or other complications that can arise when teeth are impacted.
Should I Be Worried About Surgical Extraction?
Surgical extraction is an extremely common surgical procedure that usually comes with manageable healing times. Because some type of anesthesia is used for the procedure, it’s painless, and, in most cases, healing is efficient and timely. There’s not much to worry about with a surgical extraction, especially in light of the fact that damaged, decayed, and infected teeth are usually painful – far more painful than any extraction or recovery. You and your dentist will decide on your preferred options for anesthesia and will plan accordingly, and you’ll receive clear instructions for the proper procedures before and after your extraction. The best way to eliminate complications following a surgical extraction is to closely follow your dentist’s instructions for aftercare and follow-up. If you experience any excessive bleeding, or if pain persists for more than a week, call your dentist. While risks and complications are minimal, they can interfere with healing and possibly lead to more damage. In most cases, patients can get dental restorations pretty shortly after their extractions, helping to return their smile to its healthy, whole self.